Loch Ness group releases video advocating muirburn's impact in tackling wildfires in wake of blaze at Cannich
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THE role that gamekeepers, stalkers and rural workers played in helping to tackle a huge wildfire at Cannich is being highlighted in a new video released this week.
Loch Ness Rural Communities, a group highlighting land management, employment, wildlife and conservation that goes on in the straths around Loch Ness, has released the film in partnership with Scotland’s Regional Moorland Groups.
The video’s first broadcast came at a meeting held this week with Kate Forbes MSP, following on from a wildfire summit organised by Ms Forbes in Beauly last Wednesday.
Gamekeepers spoke of the role they played alongside the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service in working to tackle the blaze, while estates supplied a range of equipment such as argocats, fogging units and leaf blowers.
The gamekeepers and estates also raised their concerns to Ms Forbes about the Scottish Government’s Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill. They claim it will lead to "punitive" new controls on muirburn, and argue that it will "increase the risk and intensity of wildfire as vegetation fuel loads grow".
Jenny McCallum, coordinator of Loch Ness Rural Communities, said: “The wildfire at Cannich has had a devastating impact on land, the environment and wildlife in the region – but it could have been even worse had it not been for the selfless actions of rural workers.
“Many gamekeepers and estate staff are skilled and experienced in muirburn techniques and were able to provide frontline assistance to firefighters to contain the flames at points where it was stretching more than two miles wide.
“The film highlights the vital work of just some of those involved, including those who had travelled several hours to get to the area to offer their help. The risk of wildfire is increasing all the time and we need to recognise and give our gratitude to those who are stepping up at their own risk to keep us all safe.”
Kate Forbes, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, said: "First and foremost, I would like to thank all of the firefighters, gamekeepers, rural workers and communities who played an active part in tackling the recent wildfires in Cannich and Daviot.
"I held a wildfire summit recently, which was a positive first step in learning the lessons of the recent fires and adapting the approach to future fires. I’m grateful to everybody who contributed to the constructive discussion.
"The clear and consistent message is that wildfires are likely to become more intense and more frequent, as is seen across parts of Europe, unless decisive action is taken.
"As such we must ensure that we use as many techniques as possible at our disposal for combating fire, including helicopters dropping water but also man-made breaks in vegetation, usually created through backburning."
The video, produced by filmmaker Kirk Norbury, can be viewed here.
